Systems and methods for real-time configurable backscatter scanners
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Publication Number
US-12332191-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described herein are systems and methods for backscatter imaging. A backscatter imaging system configurable in real-time for imaging an object is provided. The backscatter imaging system includes a source array including a plurality of discrete sources, and a collimator array including a plurality of collimators corresponding to the plurality of discrete sources. The source array is configured to selectively activate the plurality of discrete sources at a frequency that is determined based at least in part on a speed of the object relative to the backscatter imaging system.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a compact, real-time configurable backscatter imaging system for imaging an object, including a source array of a plurality of discrete sources and a collimator array comprising a plurality of collimators corresponding to the discrete sources. At least one dimension sensor determines a dimension of the object, and the system selectively activates the plurality of discrete sources based on the determined dimension.
The discrete sources are selectively activated at a frequency determined based at least in part on the speed of the object relative to the backscatter imaging system. This selective activation uses discrete sources rather than a contiguous approach to avoid contiguous scan gaps, including checkerboard scanning with non-contiguous missing areas, while maintaining acceptable image quality and passenger/environment dose.
The system further provides depth information and resolution control using multiple-row and/or multiple-column source layouts and collimator aperture arrangements, including angled collimator apertures for oblique views. Resolution can be adjusted by moving a collimator array relative to a source array, and additional source arrays can provide multiple views of the object, including implementations with multiple arrays on different sides of the object.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a backscatter imaging system, a method performed by the backscatter imaging system, and a source array configured for such a system. Across these independent claims, the main inventive features include dimension sensing, speed-based frequency determination, and selective activation of discrete sources matched to a collimator array, with optional structural refinements that include resolution adjustment, angled collimators, multiple views, and depth information via multi-row and/or multi-column layouts.
Backscatter imaging system with dimension-based selective activation
A backscatter imaging system for imaging an object comprising at least one dimension sensor configured to determine a dimension of the object, a source array comprising a plurality of discrete sources configured to selectively activate, based on the determined dimension, the plurality of discrete sources at a frequency determined based at least in part on a speed of the object relative to the backscatter imaging system, and a collimator array comprising a plurality of collimators corresponding to the plurality of discrete sources.
Method for imaging with dimension-based frequency-controlled source activation
A method for imaging an object performed by a backscatter imaging system including at least one dimension sensor and a source array including a plurality of discrete sources, the backscatter imaging system further including a collimator array including a plurality of collimators corresponding to the plurality of discrete sources, the method comprising determining a dimension of the object by the dimension sensor; determining a frequency based at least in part on a speed of the object relative to the backscatter imaging system; and selectively activating, based on the determined dimension, the plurality of discrete sources at the determined frequency.
Source array with dimension-based selective activation at speed-determined frequency
A source array for a backscatter imaging system for imaging an object comprising a plurality of discrete sources configured to selectively activate, based on a dimension of the object determined by a dimension sensor, the plurality of discrete sources at a frequency determined based at least in part on a speed of the object relative to the backscatter imaging system.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is the same selective activation framework: determine an object dimension, determine a frequency based at least in part on object speed relative to the backscatter imaging system, and selectively activate discrete sources at that frequency, with a collimator array corresponding to the discrete sources. Dependent claims further support resolution adjustment, angled collimators, multiple views via additional source arrays, and depth information using multiple rows and/or columns of discrete sources.
Stated Advantages
Avoids contiguous scan gaps by using checkerboard scanning with non-contiguous missing areas while maintaining acceptable image quality.
Maintains acceptable passenger/environment dose.
Improves resolution/noise by using small focal spots at high power enabled by time-multiplexing multiple discrete sources.
Documented Applications
Real-time configurable backscatter scanning vehicle inspection portal for imaging a vehicle (object).
Scanning only the vehicle span using object-dimension sensing.
Providing multiple views of an object.
Providing depth information using multi-row/column source layouts and angled collimator apertures (including oblique views).
Implementations with multiple arrays on different sides of the object.
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